Player Profile: Cassandra Kirkland

On Sunday, France's Cassandra Kirkland won her first-ever professional title at the Sanya Ladies' Open in China. This week's player profile introduces golf fans to this talented young player who is set to make her mark on the international golf circuit.

28-year-old Kirkland was born in 1984 in Paris, France to American parents. Kirkland took to the game of golf at the young age of seven, and has been passionate about the sport ever since. After completing her schooling, Kirkland moved to the United States where she enrolled at the University of Arizona, graduating in 2006.

While at college, Kirkland enjoyed a successful amateur career. She was a member of the NGCA All American Team in 2005, and won the UNLV Invitational in the same year. Following her graduation from the University of Arizona, Kirkland turned professional in December 2006.

The 2007 season saw Kirkland making her debut on the Ladies European Tour. Having enjoyed a successful amateur career, Kirkland entered the world of professional golf with confidence and a determination to succeed. The young player weathered the challenges of top-tier professional golf extremely well in her debut season, winning almost 25,000 Euros off 18 tournaments and finishing the season in 78th place on the Tour.

As Kirkland continued to improve on the course, golf commentators began to notice signs of her future success. In 2010, Kirkland finished in 5th place at the Hero Honda Indian Women's Open, and in 2011 the young golfer finished in the top 10 of three LET championships.

On Sunday, Kirkland won her maiden victory at the Sanya Ladies' Open in China. The 28-year-old, whose bubbly personality and model looks have endeared her to fans around the world almost as much as her golf game has, now enjoys the status of having joined the winner's circle. Golf fans should keep an eye on this talented player as she continues her rise in Women's golf.